Winter Snow Shoveling Tips, Save Your Back!

Protect your back this winter with these tips!

1. When shovelling snow try to lift lighter loads and choose a shovel where the handle is not too short to avoid bending too much at the back.
2. The back does not tolerate twisting motions as well as other movements so try to avoid this by facing the direction you want to unload the snow
3. TAKE BREAKS!  Shovelling is a heavy activity, take periodic rests and perform some back extensions (standing upright with hands on hips and bending backward) to take a break from all the forward bending during shovelling.

If you or someone you know is experiencing back pain, contact a Physical Therapist to receive treatment immediately!

FACT: EARLY PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR BACK PAIN LEAD TO BETTER REDUCTION IN PAIN LEVELS AND DECREASE CHANCES FOR CHRONICITY.